Where is the best place to put a gas water heater?

15 Apr.,2024

 

Water heaters: Where should they be placed?

Author: Rointe


The place to install water heaters is a difficult decision if we don't have enough space in our home. Discover your ideal place!


Sometimes, the space in our home is limited and we must think hard about the organisation of the different elements to optimise it as much as possible. In the case of water heaters, it usually needs a specific and clear space. A good example is a laundry or utility room because it will have a water connection already in place. However, your options may be limited, for example, the bathroom. It’s important to consider all options available to you.

As we have said previously, the water heaters are usually located in the utility room together with other appliances such as washing machines, sinks and different cleaning products. But, what if you don’t have this space and you need ideas to locate your water heater?

Inside or outside?

This will depend on the characteristics of your home and the capacity of the spaces available in it. There is the option of installing outside, although the preferable is inside.

If your main problem is the lack of space inside, the location of the water heater can then be installed outside or colder areas like balconies or garages. If this is the case, it will be necessary to purchase an insulating cover to prevent product deterioration or protection from environmental factors such as sun, rain or wind.

But … What is the ideal place?

You must think about the comfort of your home and look for a place that does not bother you or interfere with daily life. Sometimes a water heater isn’t the most attractive product, therefore its preferable to have it hidden away, in a cupboard for example. The best space is inside our home and as close as possible to a water connection.

The bathroom can be a popular location for a water heater, especially as the hot water can reach your bathroom fixtures much faster. It’s also convenient as the correct drainage and waste pipes are already installed. 

A bathroom is a great option if you don’t have much room, but the factors below must be taken into consideration:

  • Electrical and gas safety regulations need to be observed. There are particular regulations around electrics and these must be closely followed. The bathroom is divided into “splash” zones, and a water heater must be installed in zone three, away from any risk of coming into contact with water. The main electrical spur must be located outside of the bathroom completely.
  • There must be sufficient space around the unit for any maintenance or ventilation.
  • Ideally contained in a cupboard, both to preserve your bathroom decor and protect the unit from possible water splashes. Hiding your water heater in a cupboard also comes with its own regulations, where there should be a gap between the cabinet and the top of the unit and a gap between the cabinet and the bottom of the unit.

Another great option, which most homeowners make, is to install your water heater in a kitchen, utility room or attic. These tend to have more space to install, but similar factors to a bathroom must be considered.

Points to consider

Certain types of water heaters, such as unvented, must be installed by a competent person, in order to comply with building regulations. The products usually need to be installed with the relevant installation kit, which includes fittings that comply with Section G3 of Building Regulations, such as a T/P valve.

The tundish and any drainage must be positioned away from electrical components and terminate in a safe place where there is no risk to life or objects. This is because the discharge will consist of scalding water and steam, so asphalt, roofing felt and non-metallic rainwater goods may be damaged by these discharges. The tundish must also be mounted in a visible location so it can be easily inspected.

The water supply to the cylinder should be potable water direct from a public mains water supply with any water treatment equipment functioning correctly. You must take the proximity of the unit to its outlet and the areas it is to serve into consideration to minimise heat losses in the pipe network. Pipe runs should be lagged and made as short as possible.

The position of the cylinder should provide easy access for servicing and replacing the sheathed heating elements and magnesium anodes should the need arise, at least 500 mm above any object or surface and 100 mm away from walls, ceilings or other objects like cabinets.

Ensure there are no hidden utilities (electricity, gas or water) below the wall surface of the installation point.

If wall-mounting, make sure it’s able to support the weight of the heater. Generally three times the weight of the water heater at its maximum capacity. Plus, ensure there are no hidden utilities (electricity, gas or water) below the wall surface of the installation point.

What does Rointe offer us?

Rointe electric water heaters are manufactured with the highest quality components. From special enamel to protect the interior tank to the exclusive thermal break system, we ensure their reliability under any circumstance.

Manufactured with the latest advances in safety and consumption measurement, our electric hot water heaters are some of the most efficient on the market.

Rome WiFi connected

Geneva Basic

Venice Compact

Siena Digital

Dalis Air Source Heat Pump

Capri Instant

If you need more information about our products or you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us. You can find more information about Rointe’s electric water heaters on our website and discover all the characteristics of our core lines: Rome WiFi Connected, Siena Digital, Geneva Basic, Dalis Air Source Heat Pump, Venice Under/Over Sink Compact and Capri Instant. 


Tank style water heaters (both gas and electric) are not built to be directly exposed to the elements, and require shelter if outdoors. In the DFW Metro, they are often installed in the garage. This is especially common in cities like McKinney and Frisco with new construction homes or those recently built over the last 30 years.

Because the garage typically isn’t climate controlled, any exposed plumbing to the water heater should be insulated to protect it from freezing. As long as the unit is running and supplied with gas/electricity, the water heater produces enough heat to protect itself from freezing.

Tankless water heaters are sometimes built so that they can be installed outdoors. In newer subdivisions like those in the Prosper/Frisco/McKinney area, you will often find tankless water heaters located in exterior metal cabinets that are recessed into the brick or stucco siding. As with tank style water heaters, the plumbing pipes for the tankless need to be insulated, and the tankless unit itself has built-in freeze protection as long as electricity is supplied to the house.

Whether you have a tank style water heater or a tankless, the garage is often the most ideal location for homes in the north Dallas metroplex area. Whenever failure occurs and the unit starts to leak, damage to the home is often minimal.

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